242 Indian Racing Reminiscences. 



with the exception that the bones of its face were 

 swollen to such a degree as almost to give it the 

 appearance of that of a hippopotamus, while the 

 animal became a confirmed roarer from contortion of 

 the nasal passages. 



The natives of Cachar are a weakly, pusillanimous 

 set of Bengalees who are devoid of every manly 

 attribute. There are, however, among the population, 

 a considerable sprinkling of Munipuri emigrants, who 

 are fine, plucky fellows, and devoted to a man to 

 ponies and polo. In fact, so enthusiastic are they 

 about it, that even their small boys of eight or nine 

 play it on foot among themselves in preference to 

 all other games, and eagerly look forward to the 

 time when they will be promoted to the dignity of 

 a pony. In the native state of IMunipur, polo is adopted 

 as a regular profession by numbers of men, the most 

 skilful of whom are specially retained by the Rajah. 

 The skill of the best players is something marvellous. 

 A favourite stroke of theirs, when running with a ball 

 at full speed, is to strike it up in the air before them, 

 and then let go the reins, seize the stick in both hands, 

 stand in the stirrups, and, as the ball is descending, 

 hit it forward with all their force. 



